Oscar-winning actor, Kim Basinger, was once the it-girl of Hollywood. It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 40 years since we watched her in her breakout role as Bond girl Domino in Never Say Never Again. But these days, it feels like we haven’t heard from the leading lady in years. So, what happened to Kim Basinger? Will she be gracing the big screen again anytime soon?
Why She Rarely Acts Anymore
In the ‘80s, Kim Basinger was the ultimate sex symbol, often being compared to Brigitte Bardot and Marilyn Monroe. You’ve probably seen her in hit films like 9 ½ Weeks, Batman, and L.A. Confidential. However, she hasn’t been as active in the 2020s. Basinger’s last acting gig was in her appearances in the Fifty Shades sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed back in 2017 and 2018.
One major reason why Basinger isn’t working in entertainment as much these days is that she suffers from agoraphobia and anxiety. According to a 2013 interview with Vanity Fair, she has made the decision to cope with her illness without the aid of medication. She said, “Now I wake up and enjoy life. I didn’t want to live on drugs. I wanted to face everything I was afraid of.”
In addition to Basinger’s struggles with anxiety, the actress has never enjoyed the fame aspect of her job. According to Basinger, “I’m not a big red-carpet girl. But I love the work.” She’s also grateful for how long she’s been able to do the work that she has and feels “blessed because I’ve had such longevity.”
However, you might see Basinger back on screen soon. She teased an upcoming acting role in a 2021 interview with Vulture. You can bet we’ll be lined up to see her next film!
Basinger Wanted To Protect Her Daughter
As Basinger’s daughter Ireland Baldwin (who she shares with ex-husband Alec Baldwin) grew up, she decided it was best to keep Ireland away from the pressures of fame and try to keep a lower profile. “She grew up in the limelight but I tried to provide stability and a quieter world,” Basinger said in the Vanity Fair interview.
Basinger succeeded in giving Ireland a quieter life with a sense of normalcy. However, growing up with a star-studded family tree, Ireland was bound to find her way back to Hollywood. She eventually followed in her mom’s footsteps and became a model signed with Two Management and IMG Models. “She’s doing extremely well,” Basinger gushed. “You just want them to follow their own path, and she totally did this on her own.”
She Has A Passion For Animals
In addition to being her mini-me’s biggest cheerleader, Basinger has dedicated a lot of her time to ending animal cruelty. In 2019, she received an award from Last Chance for Animals for her work investigating animal abuse. She told Extra, “I love my work as an actress, professionally… but this is my heart… and when I stand up for my animals… this is my heart.”
She’s Enjoying The Quiet Life With Her Boyfriend
Taking a step back from the limelight has allowed Basinger to build a beautiful private life. She told Georgian Journal in 2017 that she enjoyed living by the beach in California and taking part in water sports. Animals hold a special place in her home; she has five dogs and puts out feeders to attract hummingbirds.
Basinger shares her life with her boyfriend, hairstylist Mitch Stone. They began dating in 2014, and it sounds like they’re still going strong. They’ve spent a lot of time in Hawaii, which Basinger says is their favorite place.
We hope Basinger continues following her heart, being a great mom, and fighting for things that really matter. And, of course, we hope she has a little spare time to return to the big screen.